Existing comment:
Kaibab Deer:
In the 1880s, ranchers brought cattle, sheep, and horses to the Kaibab Plateau. Over 200,000 of these domesticated animals heavily grazed the native grasses, clearing the way for an invasion of browse plants that provided a greater supply of deer food. Aggressive predator control and plentiful foo allowed the deer population to soar in the early 1920s. Soon, too many deer meant not enough food to go around. Massive starvation quickly followed the harsh winter of 1924/25.
Current management of the Kaibab Plateau emphasized habitat restoration and maintaining a balance between forage and deer herd size. Hunting is an important part of the Arizona Game and Fish Department's management plan to ensure that the mule deer population does not outgrow available food sources.
Kaibab mule deer are famous for their magnificent antlers that may spread over 30 inches. |